Silver jewelry has become increasingly popular over the years and it’s now one of the most used metals in all types of jewelry. jimmy jewelry It’s important to know how to care for, maintain, and clean your silver jewelry so it lasts and looks as good as it did the first day you used it, no matter how many years overlook.
Our complete guide to caring for silver jewelry shares great silver jewelry care practices — we’re covering everything from how to keep silver jewelry from tarnishing to how to store sterling jewelry.
THE TYPES OF SILVER AND THEIR GRADES
There are several types of silver, and each has a different rating, or grade. Quality silver typically has quality marks that help distinguish specific types of silver. Knowing the different grades will help you understand both your jewelry’s value, as well as how to properly care for it.
FINE. 999 SILVER
This is basically pure silver, without any metals added. It’s typically not used for jewelry because it wouldn’t keep its shape.
STERLING. 925 SILVER
This is more commonly known as just silver. The remainder alloy is usually made of zinc or water piping. Silver is used to make different types of beautiful jewelry, and it’s the beds base of vermeil jewelry. Vermeil is quality silver that’s plated with a layer of gold.
Check out the Vermeil Jewelry Guide for more information about how silver is used.
Bryan Anthonys carries a variety of beautiful vermeil Demi Fine jewelry — shop now to find our incredible selection of skillfully made jewelry.
COIN SILVER
This alloy is 90 percent silver and 10 % water piping. It used to be the most popular type of silver for making jewelry, until silver replaced it.
SILVER
General silver is trusted in many types of jewelry due to its versatility and cost. Bryan Anthonys has a wide selection of beautiful silver finish jewelry.
Go shopping for silver finish rings and silver finish anklet bracelets today.
SILVER-FILLED
Silver-filled jewelry contains approximately 5 to 10 % silver that’s been bonded onto a base metal. It’s usually less expensive than sterling, but still results in a beautiful, quality material.
SILVER PLATED
Silver plated jewelry has a very thin layer of silver on top of another base metal. It’s sometimes used for costume jewelry, but unfortunately, the silver layer can flake off over time.
PENNIE SILVER
This is really a pennie alloy without any silver at all, community . looks similar to silver. Pennie silver is relatively inexpensive and often used in costume jewelry.
MAINTAINING YOUR SILVER JEWELRY
It’s important to know how to take care of silver jewelry to keep it looking its best. Whether you’re learning how to care for silver plated jewelry, silver, or any other type, creating a routine to maintain your silver jewelry ensures it will stay beautiful for years.
Avoid Wearing Silver in the Shower: Water can oxidize silver, causing it to tarnish.
Avoid Costly: Chlorine and other chemicals can damage most types of jewelry.
Avoid Hot Tubs or Springs: There are often chemicals in hot tubs. Springs usually have sulfur that can tarnish silver.
WAYS TO KEEP YOUR SILVER JEWELRY FROM TARNISHING
Silver, specifically silver, will tarnish from oxidation. But you can learn how to protect silver from tarnishing by adhering to just a few simple rules.
Remove Jewelry When Doing Household Tasks: Wondering how to prevent silver jewelry from tarnishing? Always eliminate it when you’re doing household tasks. Household cleaners can be rough and affect dainty silver pieces.
Take off Jewelry When Exercising: The salt in sweat can be corrosive to silver jewelry, causing it to tarnish.
Avoid Wearing Silver in Hot Places: It might be smart to keep your silver jewelry out of direct sunlight, especially when it has crystals. Sun won’t exactly damage the silver, but it might make it tarnish more quickly. And direct sunlight can cause pretty crystals to diminish or change in color over time. Finding out how to care for silver properly sometimes means not wearing it in inviting or hot places.
Avoid Wearing Silver Jewelry When Doing Outside Tasks: Whether it’s damage from sun or heat, or scratches from garden tools, you may want to remove your silver jewelry when doing outdoor tasks.
Put on Silver Jewelry Last When Planning: For optimal silver jewelry care, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of putting on your jewelry after you dress and put on makeup.